Whole Child Whole Community Conference: Full Schedule

Be sure to register for the Whole Child Whole Community Conference hosted by Communities In Schools of San Antonio in partnership with Region 20 and UP Partnership REGISTER HERE. Interesting in becoming a Sponsor? INFORMATION HERE on sponsorship levels! Commitments requested by October 11.

IMPORTANT: Only attendees who are signed into the platform can create a custom schedule and download presenter handouts. You must be registered before you will receive an invitation to the platform. Platform invitations will be sent out beginning October 10. If you need assistance with your sign-in, check in at the Technology Support table the morning of the conference.

CREATING A CUSTOM SCHEDULE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPACE IN A SESSION. Seating for all sessions are first-come, first-seated.

9:30am CST

Utilization of Virtual Reality and Video Game Play in Therapy with Children

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Kinney

In the mental health world, video gaming as gotten a bad rap! Research is now suggesting the use of commercial video game play in therapy can actually allow for the development of valuable skills and neural growth. By increasing concentration, memory, creativity, and other basics, we are able to develop critical thinking skills. These allow for improved problem-solving, decision making, adaptation/coping, and social skills. In this training we will examine the potential uses and benefits of virtual reality and video game play in therapy. We will also review best practices and VR/VG system basics.

Speakers

Katheryn Eads, PhD, LPC-Associate, BC-TMH

Associate Counselor, Communities in Schools San Antonio

Katheryn has over 20 years of experience working with children in both mental health and educational settings. She possesses a terminal degree in Psychology, is licensed as an LPC Associate in Texas and is Board Certification in Telemental Health. Katheryn specializes in the use of... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Kinney

State of the Heart: Supporting Youth in Today's World

11:00am CST

Absence to Engagement: Transforming Student Attendance with Restorative Practice

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Kinney

76%. 79%. 65%. 61%. Do these numbers look familiar when reviewing your Average Daily Attendance (ADA) rate? What if you knew that these rates are directly impacted by students' self-confidence, stemming from barriers in and outside of school? "Absence to Engagement" explores how restorative practices can positively impact student attendance and self-confidence. Learn practical strategies to support students returning to school, build strong relationships, and foster a positive, engaging learning environment.

Speakers

Rachel Vargas, Ed.D

Special Initiatives Manager, Communities in Schools San Antonio

Dr. Vargas is a native Texan with a heart for helping young people discover their path to success. She has trained and coached individuals and organizations on Conflict Management, Organizational Leadership, and Restorative Practices in Schools. She manages CIS-SA's Special Initiatives... Read More →

Sabrina Donatto, LCSW-S

Program Coordinator, San Antonio ISD

Sabrina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Baylor University in 2011 and her Master’s in Social Work from The University of Texas - Arlington, in 2012. She has almost 10 years of experience as a licensed social worker providing... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Kinney

Fostering Relationships to Unlock Student Potential

1:55pm CST

Building Intentional Community, Identity Bias & Inclusion

Friday November 15, 2024 1:55pm - 3:10pm CST

Kinney

This workshop explores three parts of community building to better understand the act of creating equitable and just community spaces. Participants explore self-awareness through identity, respect for others considering bias, and opportunities to experience growth and learning about others with inclusion. Here participants are invited to take initial steps to understand that interconnection begins within each member of a community.

Speakers

Deanna Santiago

Circle Keeper and a Restorative Justice Coordinator, Empower House San Antonio

Deanna Santiago is the Circle Keeper and a Restorative Justice Coordinator at Empower House San Antonio. She creates safe and brave space for people to share authentically from the heart, show up as their whole selves, and be seen and heard. Her work includes conflict resolution... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 1:55pm - 3:10pm CST
Kinney

Fostering Relationships to Unlock Student Potential

3:25pm CST

Impacting Education Through Restorative Practices

Friday November 15, 2024 3:25pm - 4:30pm CST

Kinney

This presentation will offer a comprehensive look at restorative practices. Attendees will explore a brief historical background and learn the fundamental principles of restorative practices. In addition, they will acquire practical methods for promoting trust and empathy within communities and explore ways to implement restorative approaches in an educational environments. Through interactive activities and participation in a restorative circle, participants will develop the necessary skills to appreciate the importance and enhance their ability to integrate these practices effectively into their educational setting.

Speakers

Natasha Richardson, MPH, MA, LPC

Strategic Partnership Manager, Communities in Schools San Antonio

Natasha Richardson currently works for Communities In Schools as the Strategic Partnership Manager as well as oversees the community level design for Future Ready Communities focusing on cross-sector partnership with K-12 institutions. In addition, she is a licensed professional counselor... Read More →

Kim Beauchamp, MSW

Field Manager, Communities in Schools San Antonio

Kim is going into her 7th year with Communities in Schools San Antonio, beginning as a Site Coordinator at Holmes HS in NISD for four years before advancing to the role of Field Manager in 2021. Currently, she serves as the Field Manager overseeing CISSA’s Judson and Uvalde traditional... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 3:25pm - 4:30pm CST
Kinney

Fostering Relationships to Unlock Student Potential

Whole Child Whole Community Conference